Greenfields is Melbourne’s newest wedding venue by the water. Overlooking Albert Park Lake and the Grand Prix circuit, the space takes its name from the lush, rolling lawns of the neighbouring golf course. Greenfields’ owner Simon Digby had a clear vision of how he wanted his “oasis in the middle of the city” to feel; “when I got the call to take over the venue I was in Byron Bay with my family. I go to Byron a lot and I was enjoying the ambiance of the indoor outdoor lifestyle.”

He asked interior designer Alex Zabotto Bentley of AZB Design to take a boho approach to the light-filled space – “boho being relaxed, casual, unpretentious and every earthy.” Rather than a complete transformation, they retained certain features like the bar, brickwork, architraves, wood paneling and trophies in honour of the golfers who had enjoyed the space for decades. “I wanted to keep the history but make it a bit more ergonomic,” said Simon.

The result is a venue that solves the old “indoor versus outdoor” wedding dilemma that many brides struggle with. The layout is versatile, easily transitioning from a sunset ceremony on the lawn, to welcome drinks on the deck on to a reception and dancing inside or back outside for games like over-sized chess and croquet.

Greenfields is within walking distance of several hotels so it’s easy to envision using it as an an ‘all-in-one wedding’ venue. Hens and bucks could play golf or do a yoga session on the deck prior to the day and you could switch the traditional morning-after breakfast for a Sunday afternoon session with one of Greenfields’ picnic hampers or their gourmet BBQ in an exclusive area reserved for your party.

Chef Nick Korceba (ex-Maha) has come up with one of the most comprehensive function menus in Melbourne. Greenfields main focus is on wellness so they follow food trends such as raw, organic, fermented and biodynamic to balance out many a glass of Veuve Clicquot! Think salmon protein balls for canapes or guests sipping fresh coconuts on arrival.

If you’re not on the clean eating bandwagon, never fear, you can opt for a more decadent menu featuring goodies like savoury “Oreos” stuffed with goat’s cheese, crispy buttermilk chicken sliders or matcha “Kits Kats” instead.

The style of dining is highly flexible too. Shared style meals on communal tables is about as traditional as they get here, however they can set up globe-trotting street food stations or even a fancy BBQ menu for those dreaming of a more casual al fresco wedding.

Green is good at Greenfields.

Images by Spoonful of Pixels

Ms Chinoiserie Says: Perhaps the grass is always greener! Such a beautiful new venue for Melbourne; I can imagine drinks on the glorious deck!